Kitty Rescue (Closed)

Subject: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:01 pm

In the last couple months I hadn't seen or heard from Saito, not even during the one night a month that I spent inside his apartment hiding from Lance in puppy mode. Each time I would let myself into his home, I would be greeted by his pet cat meowing for food and attention. I had never had much experience with felines but I was under the impression that they only sought out attention when it suited them. I was pleasantly surprised that Saito's cat would run circles rubbing against my legs from the moment I came through the door until I refilled the cat feeder with chow from the cupboard and add more water to the auto waterer thingy that would always be bone dry by the time I got there.

After the cat would eat and drink as much as it needed, it would come and join me on the couch to keep me company while I played refugee for the night. When the morning sun would wake me, I would find myself curled up on the couch with the cat asleep in the curve of my body. Our interaction went on this way for some time. I would start bringing canned cat food with me to give the poor thing a little treat. When I would return the next month, none of the other cans that I had left had been opened so I began to seriously wonder when Saito had last been home.

I felt guilty searching through his belongings, but I needed to know if he had come home recently, for the sake of the poor kitty of course. I couldn't find any signs of life anywhere in the place. The sheets hadn't been washed in way too long, neither had the dirty clothes... which is what I spent this full moon doing. Now I don't usually do laundry for random guys but he was letting me crash at his place once a month and if the laundry stayed like that any longer it was going to get up and walk itself to the laundry room.

While I went around the place, cleaning what I could and closing off what I couldn't; the cat stayed right with me meowing the whole time. Even though I know cats can't talk, I would almost swear that Saito's was trying to communicate with me. It seemed like it was trying to tell me that he hadn't been there in a very long time. I even found myself talking to the little one as if it was another person in the room.

The past few times I had been over, I had left thank you notes and reminders that the cat food was getting low on the kitchen counter, but each time I would come back my notes were still in the same place. I had tried his phone numerous times and only gotten voicemail. I hadn't left messages other than to identify myself and ask him to call me when he got a chance. This time was different. After putting his freshly laundered sheets back on his bed, and resisting the urge to crash there for the night instead of the couch, I put his clothes away and went back to the kitchen to write my final note to him.

'Saito,
It's been a few months since I've seen or talked to you. It doesn't even seem like you've been back to your apartment in all that time. Your sheets have been washed and the bed remade, the clothes that were in the dirty pile on the floor have been washed and put into drawers. The rest of the apartment has been cleaned. I asked the cat if it wanted to come home with me and it nodded so I'm taking the cat. If you are really coming home regularly and I just couldn't find evidence of that then just come to my place and get the cat back, but until I know that you are taking care of it, I will let it live with me. I hope you are alright and that you come over soon to get your pet back. If I don't hear anything from you before the next full moon, I will find somewhere else to hide that night. Thank you for letting me hide here, I always felt safe. Please call me, if for no other reason than to let me know you are still alive. I hope to hear from you soon.

-Lexi'

Given the fact that none of my other notes looked like they had been read, I picked up my phone and dialed Saito's number for the millionth time. Voicemail. No shocker there. Finally the beep comes, if it is letting me leave another message it means that his voicemail box isn't full yet, which it should be on my previous messages alone. I took that as a good sign, if he was clearing out messages, he was alive. The new message I left was much like the others except for the fact that I mentioned cleaning his apartment, taking the cat home with me to make sure it would be fed regularly, and that if I didn't hear from him within the month I would find another full moon crash pad. Wrapping up with thick, almost emotional 'I hope you're ok, please call me to let me know', I ended the call and began to pack the cat's things into a large box. I had also been bringing over little cat toys to try and help the poor thing break up the boredom and tonight I had brought a plush little cat bed with me to see if it would sleep there.

Now everything I had brought over, plus the food and water feeders, went into the large box. I wasn't sure how to actually transfer the cat itself, I hadn't planned on doing that until I searched over the apartment. Most cats refused to walk on any sort of leash but it was beginning to look like that was my only option. Glancing down to the cat seated at my feet, I cock my head to the side and take that final step over the line to crazy town. "If I make you a rope leash, will you walk on it just far enough to reach my place in one piece? I promise to take it off as soon as we get inside my apartment. It's the only way I can get you and all your stuff in one trip." I didn't really expect the cat to answer back but since it had nodded to my previous question I figured I would give it a shot. It looked like it understood what I said, analyzed it in that little head, and then lifted its face to me before nodding clearly. "Alright then, let's make you a leash. It's almost dawn."

I had seen some twine when I was putting Saito's clothes in his closet so I went back in there and cut off a piece long enough to go around the cat's neck and give it some comfortable walking room. I made a little sliding knot at the end then looped it over the cat's head. It was plenty long for the cat to walk a little ahead of or behind me while we make the early morning journey.

Once that was taken care of, I made a last trip around the apartment to make sure everything was turned off or unplugged so no fires could start. With that done we were ready to set out. The cat didn't seem to really like the leash but it was tolerating it well. We made good time, thanks to there being little to no traffic, and were soon trudging up the stairs of my building. Since the sun was already up I knew it would be safe to enter so I put my key in the door and opened it slowly. Once the cat was inside I let go of the leash with the promise to take it off as soon as I set the box down.

The box landed on the coffee table for the moment so I could bend down and slip the twine over the cat's head. "Alright, you're free. Thank you for putting up with that. Go on and inspect the place. I would probably steer clear of the far bedroom. That's Lance's room and I suspect that he's more of a dog person. My bedroom is the open door, I think we'll set your stuff up in there so you don't have to interact with Lance so much." As if the cat could understand me perfectly, it made a beeline for my room and began to familiarize itself with the space. Bringing the box with me, I pulled out the food and water bowls and asked where the cat would like them. The animal moved to the wall under the windows and stopped there so I put the bowls down next to it. Then I brought out the empty and cleaned litter box. The cat went to the far corner beside my dresser, so that's where the box was put to await some fresh litter. Last to come out of the box was the plush kitty bed. When the cat saw this in my hand, it jumped up onto my bed, sniffed each side to figure out which one I slept on and then took a seat on the unused side. "Good choice. You have excellent skills in interior design." I spoke with a chuckle as I placed the cat bed in front of the hardly used pillow. "Alright, let me get your litter box set up and then your food and water. After that I have to get ready for work, but I will be back home this evening. I promise I won't ever leave you alone for days on end. Oh and I'll introduce you to Lance when I get home tonight. Until then you should probably stay in this room where you will be safe. I'll shut the door today but we can leave it open once Lance knows about you." I couldn't believe that I was talking to a cat, but it was actually good company.

I filled the box and the bowls to make sure the cat was all set up before jumping in the shower to get ready for work. Lance would probably sleep for another hour or so before dragging himself to work but I didn't want to take the risk of him seeing the cat and freaking out without me around to mediate. Closing the bedroom door behind me, after reminding the cat that I would be back later in the evening, I headed out of the apartment and down to the parking garage. Usually I put my phone on silent or vibrate during business hours but since now I was worried about Saito, I made the decision to leave it on and at full volume. I wanted to know the second he called, if he called.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:41 pm

It would be perhaps two days before legitimate contact from the man. As per usual, Saito was a night person; he preferred it, and was stronger in it, but even in dusk he carried himself well, with decent posture and the stance of someone who knew how to carry themselves, though perhaps without the extreme fluidity that he usually does, at least for now, as the sun is falling quickly. He would lean back against the wall as he waited for Lexi to get out of work, his hands in his pockets as he looked to the sky in wait, feeling Yoji's presence growing once more with the onset of the night proper. Even the air tasted different during the day, less rich, less real, somehow, his senses not nearly as sharp without the demonic presence. Still, it was one of the few times when he felt like his old self again, and whether through nostalgia or something else, he almost enjoyed it.

And almost disliked the rush that came with Yoji returning.

He had changed a bit since he'd been gone; his usually well trimmed black hair had grown longer, hanging down a bit shaggier past his ears, and there was the mark of a scar starting just between his collar bones at the soft part of his neck and running down below where his buttoned shirt covered as well as one running straight down through his lips on the right. He would wait behind the other side of the door, such that she couldn't see him as she exited towards her car, before coughing slightly to get her attention.

"It's been quite some time." he called from behind her, a slight smile on his face. "Did you ever count how many messages you sent me?"

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:08 pm

For some reason, whether it was the presence of the man's cat or just the fact that taking his cat hadn't gotten a response from him in over a day, Saito had been in the forefront of my mind since returning home from his apartment two days prior. Hell, he and his alternate personality, Yoji, had even been in my dreams. Of course the dreams were mostly my subconscious coming up with horrible tragedies that could have befallen him. Images of his handsome face contorted in a death mask that would give even the most hardened trauma surgeon nightmares. Scenes showing his lithe and sexy form sectioned into pieces and tossed aside like garbage. And my personal favorite... depictions of him blissfully happy with an adorable blonde, living the perfect life, and never casting another thought back to the Lower Commons that he had escaped from.

While I was still managing to get my daily tasks all finished, I was spending at least an extra hour doing the work that would have normally taken just over half the day's time to complete. I would be in the middle of working on a file when all of a sudden I would be swept away by a new thought of what could have happened to him. Since that was happening more than ten times daily, I was only just walking out the door as the sun was dipping low in the sky. I hated not being able to leave before dusk, to the point where I was almost ready to go search for the fucker by myself. Plus I felt guilty for leaving the cat alone all day long. Bringing it to my house was supposed to save it from being ignored, but essentially all I was able to do was feed and water it everyday, keep the litter box clean, and give it a few scarce moments of attention between supper and bedtime in the evenings. I suppose that was a tiny bit better than life had been at Saito's apartment.

All of this was on my mind as I exited the building, almost to the point that the man's voice did not register. At first I assumed it was one of the valets bidding me a good evening or remarking about how late I was in leaving. I had started to lift a hand to automatically wave at the person talking when something inside told me to turn around.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Seriously, I considered pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. The shock was so great that I didn't even register the stack of papers I was taking home to work on falling to the sidewalk. All breath froze in my lungs as I looked him over. When I was satisfied that all his major parts, the ones I could see at least, were present and accounted for; I finally released the air caught in my body as well as the tears brimming in my eyes.

"I lost count at thirty, I think. Why didn't you ever call back? I was going to stop calling, thinking that you didn't want to see or talk to me anymore, but then I would start to worry about you and have to call one more time just to see. I even called from different phones just in case you didn't want to answer my number."

By this point I was in a full blubber. The tears that were streaming down my cheeks were a mix of relief and shame. I was happy he was alright, but ashamed for all the calls and notes and for taking the cat.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:29 pm

He looked to the sobbing, smiling girl with a raised eyebrow, unable to keep himself from smiling slightly at the thought that someone had missed him quite so much. "I didn't answer because I only just got back, and figured they would all likely be the same thing anyway." he said with a slight shrug as he made his way foreword to her, shaking his head and clapping her on the shoulder in a slightly awkward hug, trying not to get himself all wet. "I wouldn't just ditch you, you know, I'd at least give you notice or a reason. I assure you, my hiatus was... unintentional." he said wryly, shaking his head.

"Do you have a car now? I seem to remember you didn't before, I'm not sure why."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:45 pm

I have no idea why but the man's awkward attempt at a comforting gesture makes me laugh through the tears, which in some small way helped slow them down. Now with only a gentle trickle coming, and after wiping the wall of wetness away from my face, I shake my head before responding to what he had said. "They were mostly the same, only the last one was different. Did you get the notes I left on the counter?" I wanted to punch him and hug him at the same time, but of course our level of friendship wasn't at such a place that I felt comfortable reaching out for him. Clasping my hands together in front of me, completely forgetting the files littering the ground, I force myself to pay attention to the conversation. "I don't deserve notice if you'll be gone, I was just worried that something had happened to you or that you found somewhere else to live. I didn't want the super of your building to come in and clean it out during the month, not while the cat was still there anyway. I couldn't stand the thought of your poor kitty being homeless. That's what made me bring it home with me a couple days ago." Glancing to the car, having just remembered that he mentioned it, I nod and point. "I didn't have a car until recently. Psyre insisted that I accept it because this new office is so much farther from home than the last was. He didn't want me to be delayed by public transportation. Are you heading toward the LC? I could give you a ride if you'd like."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:58 pm

He looked to her with a smile as he watched her, laughing slightly at the deluge of information and ignoring for the moment the self-depreciation in her voice as he shook his head and patting her slightly on the shoulder. "Something did happen to me, but I'm better now, I promise. It's been quite a while, would you like to catch up over some dinner? I'm starving." he said with a slight chuckle as he stooped to help her pick up the files, bundling them up quickly with returning agility as the sun descended and handing them to her easily. "Might want to be more careful with those, I can't imagine your bosses being happy with you just leaving them there. Where do you work now, anyway? I found the place, but I don't know much about it. And how has she been? She's usually pretty competent about getting herself food when she really needs to, but I think I'm going to get a chewing out for leaving her alone for so long." he noted before starting to her car. "And of course you deserve to be notified, I just didn't get the chance."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:16 pm

Taking the files from him with flushed cheeks, I agree with that he says about my bosses not being happy about the files being left on the sidewalk. I was pretty sure that taking files off premises was against the rules to begin with, but these were unimportant things that I didn't want to waste business hours fooling with. Heading for my car, I press the button to unlock the doors and make my way to the driver's door as I start talking again. "Do you remember Psyre from that night in the graveyard? I work for him now, as an assistant office manager for PsiCoven. It's a long way from the basement full of files where I used to work." Opening my door and tossing the files in the back, I gesture for him to get in. "I would be shocked if she didn't chew you out when you see her. She was alright for the most part but every time I showed up she was completely out of food and water. I thought she was just running out right before I came but when I brought canned food to give her a treat with every now and then and noticed that none of the cans I left had been opened in a month, that's when I decided to try and find some evidence that you had been there. I couldn't find any of course so I cleaned the apartment and packed up the cat. She's now made my bedroom her home and allows me to sleep on a quarter of 'her bed'. Dinner sounds like a good idea by the way, where did you have in mind?"
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:55 pm

"Sounds like Twist, she forgets she's not a big scary demoness anymore." He said with a smile as he made his way into the car, noting the rather nice design of it and the plush interior as he snapped the door shut behind him and breathed out, cracking his neck gently. It was an odd sensation, to feel strength like steel flowing back into his veins as the sun went down, making him seem so light in comparison to what he usually was, but he would have felt odd to talk about it. Psyre... the other seer from the park, he did remember him. The tactician, the rich one that Lexi seemed to be enamored with. Well, he'd certainly gotten her a car and a job, which is better than what Saito could have, though he mentally scolded himself for the comparison. His own affairs were practically in shambles, having been missing for so long from school and work; he'd had enough money to keep the apartment, thankfully, with his parents help, but he certainly didn't know that he could pull his grades out of the tunnel at this point.

These things happened, he supposed.

"Good to know that you're doing well, at least; I was a bit worried. So what does PsiCoven actually do?"

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:29 pm

"Demoness? You mean she isn't just a normal cat?" I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse. Better because her level of understanding and communication makes much more sense, and worse because I invited her to live in my bedroom and share my bed. When am I going to finally rid my bed of demons? Since I couldn't come up with my own answer for that question I decided to move on and focus on more important things, though I was going to have a talk with the cat when I get home, a private talk before giving her back to Saito. She is going to have to swear to keep quiet about anything I said about him during our time together. We had too many girl talk sessions for me to send her back without protecting myself.

Sliding the key into the ignition and turning it to bring the motor to life, I glance over to Saito with a perplexed smile. "Why were you even a bit worried? I had the key you gave me so I had a safe place to go, and I showed up at least once a month to feed Twist so we were good. Next time there is even a chance that you might not come back for a while, please give me some kind of warning though, that way I can visit more often to feed her so she won't have to go without or be alone so long." Dropping the gearshift into reverse, I begin slowly backing out of my parking space. Then shifting into drive, I start to wind my way along the access road to the exit gate. I wondered how he had even gotten in here with the tight security, but I guess he had his ways. "So where would you like to eat? I don't want to talk about the company until I'm off the grounds completely. There are eyes and ears here." After exiting the automatic gate and getting out on the open road where I didn't feel watched at all times, I finally respond to his former question about the company. "To tell you the truth I don't really know what the company really does. I know there is something more to it than I am aware of. I handle the files for companies and clients that use the strategic counseling services we offer, but there is another side that I am not privy to. Only Psyre and his assistant Carmine, who I personally think he has something intimate with, deal with that other side of the business. I am hoping to be let in on the secret at some point but I'm not holding my breath. So now it's your turn, where have you been and what have you been doing?"
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:21 pm

He listened patiently to what she said, raising an eyebrow slightly at the eyes and ears bit. It certainly seemed like there was more to the story, security offices didn't tend to worry like that in his experience, but then again he wasn't considerably experienced in the matter, so he decided it would be better just to stay shut about it. He wondered if it was important that Psyre might be banging his partner, but aside from being slightly amused at the thought he figured it was just relevant to Lexi and let it go. As she asked about what had happened to him, he breathed out slightly, wondering quite how to tell her as he coughed into his hand and shifted, slightly embarrassed before looking out the window.

"I kind of... died." he said as casually as he could. "Was killed, really, but I got better. He caught me at an inopportune moment, and I didn't quite have the same luxuries that I usually do when it came to injuries, but I'm still here, so..." he added reassuringly, smiling slightly as he ran a hand through his hair. "As for dinner, it's really rather up to you, I don't much care. At this point, I think anything would taste good."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:43 pm

Everything was going along just fine, I was paying attention to the road in front of me and keeping the car at a safe speed. Then the fool in the passenger seat next to me had to go and get suicidal on me. Shouldn't any intelligent man know better than to tell a woman something like that while she is driving and essentially holding their lives in her hands? One would think so at least. It was obvious that this hadn't occurred to Saito. He didn't even seem phased, other than maybe slightly embarrassed to have to admit to dying. Dying for goodness' sake! The man said he was killed and somehow, by some miracle is back among the living and sitting in my car talking about food!!

Swerving dangerously to the right, I bring the car to a halt sudden enough that both of our bodies should jerk forward against the seat belts in the empty parking lot for a series of office buildings. Slamming the gear shift into park, I whip my head around to look at him incredulously. "You what?!?!? We've been talking for how long and you just mention this now? How did it happen? And how the fuck are you sitting here right now? Are you a ghost or wandering spirit or whatever they like to call themselves? You touched me, it felt real so that shouldn't be the case. Start explaining mister." On an afterthought I slide my hand onto the door panel to my left and lock the doors so he couldn't escape to avoid telling me, and to prevent any random passerby from disturbing the conversation.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:00 pm

He sighed and gave a slightly weak laugh, amused at her reaction even as his hand snapped to the handle of the car just above his head, gripping tight at the exceedingly fast turn before feeling the car rock back into place and listening to the barrage of questions. "I didn't tell you previously," he pointed out dryly, "Mostly because I knew you would flip out a bit. And let's see if I can get this right..." he coughed slightly in his hand to clear his throat, looking upwards to remember the order of question.

"It happened via a sword to the chest, I'm sitting here right now because I was pulled away to heal by Yoji, I think, I'm not a ghost, and it should feel real since I am." he said before shrugging. "Apparently a monster hunter who's been tracking down Yoji decided to pull something in the daylight while I was weaker. The samurai type, it looked like, since he used a katana that I couldn't heal from entirely. I'm still no slouch as a human, so he didn't take my head off as he intended, I think, but he got lucky and took me clean through the sternum." he pointed out, tugging at his collar slightly to reveal the rather clean line running straight down beneath his shirt, bisecting the sharply defined muscles neatly. "After that, it was mostly a blur. I was elsewhere, and I can't remember all of what happened, other than that all of it was pretty odd. And then I woke up and found myself at the edge of the city, teleported to me apartment, and teleported to you."

"You know as much as I do about the whole coming back to life thing now." he pointed out. "And the rest is just details."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:26 pm

Resting my elbows on the steering wheel, lowering my head into my open palms, I sit like that for a full minute just letting his words sink in fully. I had watched him as he spoke, looked hard at the mark left behind on his chest (without even once thinking how sexy it looks), and then had to turn away to let the silence take over. I didn't have any right to be this upset about his admission, I mean we were friends and all but that only allows so much over reaction in situations like this. For some reason I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that he was skewered by some psycho's sword.

I could feel the tears filling my eyes, spilling into my hands, and I couldn't do anything to stop them. All I could do was force my shoulders to remain still and keep quiet so he wouldn't know what I was doing. What could I say to that? 'Tough break, glad you came back to life' sounded lame and to tell the truth would just create another awkward moment that I did not have the emotional capacity to deal with right now. Until I could figure out an appropriate way to react, I would hide my face in my hands and do the only thing I was a pro at, cry.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:25 pm

Great, and now she was crying. That really wasn't the point, he noted with a sigh, and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with it as he brought a hand to her back, patting her gently. "Come on, now, it's alright. I came back, right? No harm no foul, largely? It took me a while, and sure it hurt, but..." he said, looking slightly to the side and getting the slight impression that he wasn't likely to cheer her up on this train of thought as he patted and rubbed lightly at the center of her shoulders before remaining silent for a moment only to try and change the subject.

"It looks like I've let myself go a bit, I should probably be seeing someone about a haircut at some point." he noted dryly as he looked to himself in the mirror, shaking his head. "I let it keep going and I'll start looking like Lance; is he still around, by the way?" he added, trying to divert her from the topic of his death as he grasped her shoulder slightly in what he hoped was a reassuring manner, fingers like steel pressing gently against her with a sort of restrained strength behind them.

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:48 pm

Well my plan for him to not know that I was so upset went up in flames, so much for that strategy. The worst part about the whole thing was the fact that he reached over and tried to comfort me. His touch definitely did the trick, but not for the reasons he intended. The feel of his hand between my shoulders was a very fitting distraction that helped dry the tears. I still didn't pull my face from my hands just yet though. I think I was waiting to see what else I could get out of the moment.

At the mention of Lance I pretty much knew the moment had passed. Leaning back in my seat, wiping the wetness from my cheeks, I shake my head and let out a wry chuckle. "Don't quit your day job, dear. You aren't cut out for counseling. And you look just fine, the shaggy hair makes you look dangerous in a sexy kind of way. You should think about keeping it for a while." As I speak, I reach across to twirl a lock of his hair between my fingers. "You look quite dashing for a man who recently died, much more so than Lance. He is still around, living in the spare bedroom and actually working a construction job right now. I can't kick him out if he's contributing financially, but I am still staying far away from the apartment during the full moon."

Shifting the car back into drive, I press the gas and ease up to the parking lot exit to wait for a break in traffic. "Well since you were one of the dearly departed only a short time ago, we aren't going out for dinner. Lance shouldn't be home until late tonight so I am going to cook you dinner to celebrate your return to life. You choose the meal and I will make it happen."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:08 pm

"I don't spend much of my time counseling people." he pointed out dryly before he blinked at the compliment and the twirling of his hair in her fingers, looking to her as a slight red dusted his cheeks. He didn't really think of himself as dangerous, much less in a sexy kind of way, but when she said it he paused a bit mentally, debating on keeping it more than he normally would have before he coughed as they started to get going. "I'll keep that in mind." he noted idly as he leaned back in the seat once more, breathing out before shrugging a bit and grinning, closing his eyes as he stretched in his seat.

"Dinner is dinner at this point to me, I'm afraid, I'm plenty fine with whatever you've got handy so long as there's enough of it. Steak is never a bad thing, though I must say I've always been a fan of pasta." he pointed out before blinking and running a finger to his lips, running a finger over the vertical scar perhaps an inch in on the left corner of his mouth. "Feels odd." he noted dryly. "I'm not used to wounds just sticking like that anymore."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:29 pm

"Pasta huh? Hmm..." The pink that dusted his cheek at my compliment was just too cute, it served to cement my idea that I should pay attention to the road and not to the man seated next to me. Looking at him too hard or for too long could be dangerous in its own right. Finally catching a break in the oncoming cars, I pull back out onto the road and continue in the direction of my apartment. It wouldn't take long to get there, especially not with me leaving well after the worst of rush hour traffic. Considering his mention of pasta, I begin building a meal in my mind based off of what I knew to be in the fridge and cupboard at home. "How does a chicken teriyaki noodle meal sound to you? I have all the ingredients at home and was planning on making it sometime this week anyway. It's not steak but it is delicious, if I do say so myself."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:04 pm

"Sounds good, then." he said with a grin as he looked out the window, watching the cars race by and realizing that it was quite odd to be in a car like this. "I don't know that I've actually traveled by car since the graveyard; teleportation is so much easier." Watching the pedestrians out the window, he found himself wondering why Yoji was quite so quiet as of late; since he'd come back, he hadn't heard hide nor hair from the demon inside him, and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. He wasn't, however, willing to dig particularly far down to find the man, and so he let it lie before looking back towards the approaching city, watching buildings fly by.

"I'm surprised you didn't know that Twist was something more than a cat, she usually talks at great length, whether you want her to or not." he noted dryly. "She must like you."

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:46 pm

"Driving or riding is kind of strange to come back to after learning that you have some unique way of traveling. I don't how teleportation works but before Psyre talked me into getting this car I was traveling on public transportation and experimenting with another one of the side effect abilities that allowed me to kind of fly, so when compared with that, driving is sort of lackluster almost." I couldn't explain why but for some reason I always felt comfortable mentioning the abilities to Saito, more than I felt I could with Lance or even Psyre, who displayed similar ones to my own in the graveyard that night. I guess it all went back to the level of comfort between us. With Lance, there was always an under current of fear and apprehension and with Psyre there was the need to live up to his expectations or to prove myself to him. With Saito there was none of that, the main awkwardness between us seems to only be on my side of the coin and that was easy to ignore for the sake of conversation and friendship most of the time.

When the conversation moved on to the cat, all I could do was give the man a shrug at first. "She never talked to me, but I was doing most of the talking so she probably couldn't get a word in if she tried. At first it was the basic stuff, asking her where you were and if you had been around lately, then I started talking about other, more personal topics with her. Which, by the way, is why she and I will be having a little heart to heart before I let you take her home. I don't want what was said to be repeated to you, no offense of course. Then after I was done talking and she had eaten enough, we would curl up on the couch and watch tv until we fell asleep. When I would wake up in the mornings, she would still be curled up against my stomach. I hope she does like me, I think I would feel bad if she didn't."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:17 pm

"Sounds like she's got herself a pet human." he said with a slight grin as Saito shook his head, amused. Lexi was definitely what one would call a softie; if he didn't know better, he would have thought that she would take in every stray she ever say. Then again Lance was probably enough to cure her of that particular instinct... he shrugged lightly. "I'm sure she likes you just fine; I get the feeling she's only a bitch when she feels like it, and I just tick her off. She was a nice little cat, when she didn't talk so much..." he added, shaking his head before he shrugged and made his way out of the car when it stopped, knowing the route up to Lexi's apartment by now as he made his way up. "Sounds as though your life has been pretty good since I've been gone; more normal, at least. Better without Yoji dicking around and trying to teach you to blow it all up?"

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:23 pm

In an uncharacteristically flirtatious moment, I glance to the man beside me with a smile as I purr my response. "I'll never play pet to a female master, that honor can only go to a certain kind of man, provided that he doesn't go and get himself killed again, of course." I couldn't really tell you why I let that slip out, but I can say that I wished I had a demon inside of me to blame it on. I quickly turned my attention back to the task of parking in the hopes of letting that comment die between us silently. Thankfully there was more to what he had said that I could comment on to fill the awkward silence. "Normal, maybe, but it's been boring. I miss having you around to hang out with and I might have even missed Yoji a little bit. He was a pretty good teacher, demonic bugs are quite motivational for a girl like me. I had an idea a couple months ago, it was probably stupid, but I was wondering if you knew anything about defense techniques. I know you're into martial arts, I just thought that maybe you could use those against me in a training session to teach me how to defend myself against physical attacks. I really suck at that. If someone comes at me with an energy attack or a sonic howl, I have a couple things I can do against them, but if they come at me with a simple fist I'm a sitting duck." Locking up the car, I fall into step behind Saito as he led the way to my apartment. Usually I would feel strange about him taking the lead but I was determined to just shut my mouth and enjoy the view this time.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:42 pm

*Saito*
He blinked slightly at the flirty quip from his female friend, a slight grin coming to his lips in spite of himself as he made his way along with his hands in his pockets. It wasn't like her, but if she was relaxing a bit around him then that was a good thing, made it all easier. Her next question grounded him a bit more, and he cocked his head to the side lightly as he leaned up against the wall beside her door to let her unlock the thing, feeling it a bit rude to just teleport in. "Defensive techniques..." he murmured, cocking his head to the side. "I could help you with that, probably. I'm pretty good at gauging my strength, so if nothing else I should be able to keep myself at a decent level for you." he noted with a shrug, though he idly wondered if he could bring himself to haul back and slug the girl if it really came down to it. Probably, he decided, if she made him promise to take it seriously like he expected her too, but still.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:43 pm

Since I routinely regret any flirty lines I toss out around this man, I was elated when he chose not to address the previous one. I still couldn't believe I had actually alluded to being willing to call him master, what the hell keeps happening to me when he comes around? Once we made it to the door and he leaned to one side, I stepped up and slid my key into the lock while he spoke. Turning the knob then opening the door, I wave my hand for him to enter first as I think about his answer. "I would appreciate that immensely, but I wouldn’t' want you to hold back too much. Maybe just enough not to break any bones, but you would have to give me enough incentive to want to defend myself and normal aches and pains don't motivate me that well." After he enters the apartment I would follow suit and move to the kitchen counter to set down my things. "Twist is in my bedroom. You can let her out if you want, I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you." I know I was... I finish the thought safely in my mind before moving farther into the kitchen to begin pulling out the ingredients for dinner.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:45 pm

*Saito*

"Not breaking bones is easy." he said with a slight shrug as he made his way into the house, smiling a bit as he looked about. It had been a while since he'd been here, and though he noted the small changes, it still felt like he remembered it. "Most of my techniques are internal ones, which basically means they focus on internal energy and disruption of internal processes and the like. Breaking bones usually comes up with external martial arts which is what Yoji prefers." he shrugged as he made his way towards the bedroom, opening the door slightly and calling into the room almost tentatively. "Er...Twist?" he called before there was a slight yowl and he stumbled back, shaking his arm as the black little kitten crawled her way up it with her claws, suddenly relatively vocal in the melodious voice of a woman in full fury.

"You miserable, loathsome, impossible wretch! How could you just leave me alone like that?!" She snarled as she crawled up his arm, punching small holes where her claws bit through his shirt and skin as she made her way to his shoulder. He stopped fighting after he got over the surprise, sighing and running a hand over his face as the cat made her way to his shoulder and bit him in the ear, glaring to him all the while only to snort and turn her head away.

"Missed you too, Twist." he muttered wryly, making his way back to Lexi and the kitten as it let out another little snort.

"Don't even try it! If it wasn't for your girlfriend, I would have starved to death before you even thought about me!" she sniffed, still looking away to the side as he sat down at the half bar.

"I left the window open for you." he pointed out idly only to receive a bat across the nose for his trouble.

"So I could what, catch a pigeon?! I never even crossed your mind!" He sighed as she continued to cuss him out, looking to the other woman with a slight grin.

"See? Much nicer when she keeps her mouth shut."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:23 pm

Keeping the laughter pent up inside was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. He wasn't exaggerating when he said that the kitten was a feisty one. She didn't waste any time laying into him after he opened the door and let her know that he was back. Not that I could blame her, if I wasn't such a weepy sap I might have fussed at him a bit myself. I remain silent while the two of them work out their domestic issues and only slightly blush when she refers to me as his girlfriend. From her lips to god's ears, I think ruefully as I cross the small kitchen space to lean on the counter opposite them. Offering the man a half smile I shake my head and shrug slightly. "Hey, I told you she was nothing but an exemplary guest for me. You deserve every bit of what she's giving, buddy, you can't just leave her alone like that, not after taking her in and agreeing to provide for her. Oh and leaving the window open is not an excuse. If she has grown accustomed to having food and water provided, you can't expect her to shift everything all of a sudden and start hunting it up for herself."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:24 pm

*Saito*

"She's a demoness. She can manage a few pigeons."

"An ex-demoness," she noted with another swat and a glare, "as you're so fond of reminding me, thank you very much. Could I handle a pigeon, yes, but it's the NERVE of it all!"

He sighed and rolled his eyes slightly, running a long-fingered hand down her back easily. "Missed you too, Twist. Settle down, you're making a fuss." She did as much, giving a slight 'hmph!" before settling on his shoulder, apparently mollified for the moment as Saito leaned back, the small pricks having closed almost instantly.

"Going back to your training plan, are you just going to learn to block, or counterattack, or...?"
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:25 pm

Witnessing how easily she was calmed under his touch brings a smile to my face. I was happy they would be working out their issues and hopeful that he wouldn't be leaving her like that again, at least not for so long without any provisions. When his attention returned to our former conversation, I merely shrugged and turned around to start working on the promised meal again. "I'm not sure. A lot of things have changed and I haven't had another visit lately so I don't know if he's grown tired of playing with me or if he's just waiting until I feel safe and secure again. I figure it's probably the latter, but I can't force myself to give up the hope that he will leave me alone for good this time."

After washing my hands and pulling the chicken out of the fridge, I fill the pot with water to get it boiling for the noodle and then begin to cut each breast up into bite size pieces so I can toss them into the large skillet. "I want to continue on with my plan, but not so much that I want to miss out on things in my life. I want to enjoy this lull between visits, without having to look over my shoulder every step I take. The abilities that the demon gave me have grown stronger since you've been gone and I've been doing some research on new ways to expand the fyre element that Yoji opened my eyes to. I guess that's a start for now. If I learn to defend myself against some of what he can do to me, I think that will go a long way to show him that I am not the same little girl he first attacked."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:25 pm

*Saito*

"You could always just destroy him outright." the cat on his shoulder noted idly, settling down onto the expanse of muscle and bone lightly and looking to her compatriot of several months, well aware of the situation through her ramblings. "Demons of real power don't jaunt into the mortal world like that; from what you've mentioned, I think much of his strength is purely in your mind, really." she noted academically, looking for a moment as though she might wear glasses and lecture in a hall somewhere as Saito watched the proceedings of cooking.

"Either way, progress never hurts." he shrugged and looked to her with a slight nod. "He seems to be a mostly physical beasts, which means a bit of training wouldn't hurt."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:26 pm

Pausing to look back at the strange pair seated at my counter, a half carved chicken breast in one hand, I tilt my head to the side and address the helpful kitten. "You know, you have a point. The demonology books I looked through at the library said something along the same lines. They mentioned lower level demons that somehow latch on to the essence of a certain human and concentrate their efforts on terrorizing them. A lot of these eventually become the textbook possessions that you hear about but sometimes the target is able to fight off part of the possession ritual. These result in what the books calls partial possessions. Apparently they are when the human gains abilities but retains full control of them and their own minds. Since I haven't been able to communicate with an entity residing in my mind, like you and Lance can, I can only assume that this is what happened to me." As I speak, my words are accented by the floppy piece of raw meat until I turn back to the opposite counter and continue my duty. "The books also said that the partial possessions weaken the demons powers to the point where the humans have a better chance of defeating them in battle. That could explain why he only attacks me physically now. Before the ritual he could make my bed levitate or change the way my room looked, or even enter my dreams to manipulate them. Since I noticed the abilities I have, he hasn't done anything but claw and bite at me. While that is good news for my hope of beating him, it still leaves me with the problem of being exceptionally weak against physical attacks. Like I said, come at me with a simple punch or claw attack and I'm a sitting duck."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:26 pm

*Saito*

"Not to boast, but I'm pretty sure that I can teach you to beat a low level demon in hand to hand." Saito said simply, shrugging. "Especially if you're looking to simply withstand him. At night you're stronger then you give yourself credit for, so with a bit of training I think you could do plenty with it."

"She's not looking to beat it to death with her hands. she's just looking for a counter to a weakness." the cat noted on his shoulder as Saito looked to it with a raised eyebrow. "Though he's right; training with him should give you a good chance on your own, assuming he doesn't abandon you for a month halfway through." She added with a derisive snort.

"It's not my fault I died." Saito pointed out mildly as the cat batted him on his nose once more.

"If you were stronger, you wouldn't have, and I wouldn't have had to impose on your lovely friend here, to whom I'm rather grateful." she added as an aside.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:27 pm

The two of them were quite a pair and listening to them talk back and forth was very entertaining but more importantly they were smart and knew what they were talking about. With the last breast carved and tossed into the skillet to cook, I turn back to them with a smile. "You're both right, of course. Training would do me good and give me the skills I need to make sure I am never at his mercy again." Flashing a special smile to Twist, I shake my head. "You were not imposing at all. Trust me, I loved having you around. You have no clue how nice it was to come home to someone other than the psycho at the end of the hall. I may even have to go out and get myself a cat to keep me company now that I won't have you here anymore, of course no regular cat will ever be able to take your place."

Reaching across the counter, I aim a swift swat of my own for the man's nose. "As for you, you are not allowed to go off and get yourself killed again. Your fault or not, I will have to hurt you next time."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:27 pm

*Saito*

"I'll remember that next time a sword wielding maniac jumps out of the bushes." he said dryly, amused as he leaned back and cracked his back slightly, shaking his head. "Training will do me some good as well, I've been feeling a little off centered lately, and the best way to handicap yourself is by forcing perfect execution of technique."
60

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:28 pm

"Good, you do that. Now how about making yourself useful by fixing us some drinks while I chop up these vegetables?" Without waiting to see what his answer will be, I spin back around to the second cutting board, the first having already been set into the sink with the knife used on the chicken. Another round of hand washing and it was time to chop the squash, zucchini, and scallions so they could go in on top of the cooking chicken to steam a bit before I add in the sauces.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:29 pm

*Saito*

"Alcoholic or no?" he asked, moving about the kitchen to gather a set of cups, Twist directing him with a slight motion of her paw towards one of the cabinets to the side as he slid a hand in and grasped a pair of cups easily enough, setting them to the table as he poured a bit of water for himself.
61

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:29 pm

"No thanks. You're welcome to the stiffer stuff but I'll just take water." I answer his question without turning away from the cutting board or even slowing the movements of my knife wielding hand. When the veggies were cut they were tossed in to the skillet then the teriyaki glaze was poured over the entire thing so it can all cook down and let the flavors mingle. By this point the noodles would be perfectly al dente so the heat would be turned off under them. I leave them in the water for a little while longer so they don't dry out or get all sticky before they're added to the meat and veggie mix.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:30 pm

*Saito*

He slid the glass intended for himself over and poured another water easily enough. Saito wasn't one for alcohol, really, he didn't often enjoy the feeling of being drunk and didn't really like the taste most of the time, and thus tended towards water in most situations. He turned back and watched her cook, not quite sure whether he was watching her or her cooking or both as he zoned out a bit, letting her polish off the meal as Twist let out a little snicker in his ear that he missed.
92

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:30 pm

While the sauce blends with the rest of the mixture, I grab the handles of the pot and move to the sink to drain the water. The skillet wouldn't be big enough to hold everything, it was barely big enough for the chicken and vegetables already, so once the noodles were drained, I would transfer everything in the skillet right into the larger pot and fold it all together. Grabbing a spaghetti server, I lift the skillet and pour the contents over the noodles then toss it lightly. The pot is then set on the table along with a couple plates and the silverware we would need. With the table set and ready, I turn to look at Saito with a shy smile. "Okay... it's ready. I hope you like it."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:31 pm

*Saito*

He grinned slightly at the look of the shy smile on her face, shaking his head lightly as he moved to sit. "You really don't have to worry about that." he pointed out as he spooned himself a healthy potion and began to eat quickly, manners good but rushed a bit--he was starving. It didn't take him long to compliment her cooking stopping after a few bites to nod and mention it's quality before diving back in to wolf down the rest of his plate.
86

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:32 pm

The shy smile becomes wider and brighter at the sight of him digging in with such eagerness. I knew he was probably starving and would have settled for anything at that point, but he certainly seemed to like it even without the compliments offered between shovels full. I took a less heaping portion for my own plate and began to eat quite a bit slower than he had. After a few bites, I jump from my chair and dash to the cabinet next to the sink to grab a can of cat food. Opening the can, I pour the contents onto a smaller plate, but one that still matches the ones Saito and I were using. Setting the small plate down between the other two on the table, I offer Twist an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean to forget your food."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:33 pm

*Saito*

"Matching plates?" she asked with a humor in her voice, looking to her with the cat equivalent of a grin before beginning to eat as daintily as always, rather amused with the young woman as Saito finished his plate and leaned back a bit, letting Lexi eat before tearing into a second, beginning to feel substantially better now that his body had something to run on again.
67

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:33 pm

"Of course. Only the best for my guests." I answered back with a grin before turning my attention to my food. When I noticed Saito lean back a bit, I beat him to the punch by taking the initiative and scooping a hefty second helping onto his plate. "Eat up, you're hardly more than skin and bones. I'm not a big fan of the skeleton look on guys. You can't look sexy if I'm distracted by counting your ribs."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:34 pm

*Saito*

He chuckled idly, shaking his head a bit as he ate while Twist looked to her with a slightly wry smirk on her feline face, tongue working to remove a bit of food from her muzzle and keep it pristine once more. "When did you become such the housewife?" she asked a bit teasingly, eyes glittering amusedly.
57

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:34 pm

Laughing softly, I shake my head to the teasing cat. "I think I would first have to become a wife and since that isn't likely to happen in this lifetime I can pride myself on knowing that I am a decent hostess to my friends. Besides, I didn't hear you complaining about my pampering you, especially not that whole sharing my pillows with you part." I found it kind of sad that rather than share my bed with the one man I actually wanted there, I had settled for his demoness cat.
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:35 pm

*Saito*

"Not complaining, just amused." she said with a grin as Saito finished his plate, deciding himself done as he stands and refills his water, allowing Lexi some time to eat before he returns and sets himself back down, leaning back and breathing out. "Much better... now I've actually something to burn." he noted before he looked to her idly. "Did you want to do that training thing tonight, or another time?"
71

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:36 pm

As usual I found myself becoming full only halfway through my plate so while Saito took his seat and got comfortable, I rose from the table to cover my plate with saran wrap. After that, I would put the rest of the food into a dish for Lance to scarf down whenever he stumbled in tonight. The dishes could wait for a while, I didn't want to waste my time with Saito by having my hands elbow deep in soapy water. As I finished off my domestic duties I thought about his question. "Either way is fine with me, it's ultimately up to you. If you can handle it tonight then we can go ahead and get started, but if you need some time to regain your strength, I can wait. I don't want to put you out."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:36 pm

*Saito*

He laughed and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "I could use the refresher, really. It's been a while since I've...well, had something to practice with, let alone someone." he noted dryly as Twist finished her own meal and hopped from the table easily.

"He just wants to show off." she said idly, tail flipping back and forth easily as Saito rolled his eyes.

"Yes, because of course, that's precisely what I'm doing."
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:52 pm

"Nah, he wouldn't waste his fancy stuff on me. Those are generally saved for the chicks he wants to swoon over him." I say to Twist with a chuckle as I move the rest of the dishes to the sink and finally exit the kitchen. "Alright then, how should we do this?"
52

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:52 pm

*Saito*

"Do you have somewhere to go, or should we just do this in the living room?" he asked wryly, shrugging slightly. "How do you want to do it? If you're just trying to get tougher, we could just spar. If you're trying to develop some kind of magical solution, then I can just serve as blunt force. First we need to know what you're trying to gain from this, then we can go from there."
75

Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:53 pm

"Hmm, well we can go down to the basement, that is where I took Lance when he wanted to fight me. It's not as creepy as your basement so I don't mind it so much. As for what I want out of it, I don't necessarily need a magical solution, I just need to find a way to defend against physical attacks so they won't take me out before I have a chance to do anything. I guess that would be the make me tougher choice, huh?"
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Subject: Re: Kitty Rescue (Closed) Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:53 pm

*Saito*

"Probably." he noted. "Or just learn the defense. Either way." he noted with a slight shrug before moving to her and placing a hand on her shoulder only to have the ground beneath their feet fall away into nothing, the pair of the vanishing through the floor only to halt briefly in a shadowy expanse, a flat land of pools of shadow that glimmered into images when you watched them before Saito moved imperceptibly fast and drew them both through one of them, bringing them up into the basement of her complex.

"Why did Lance want to fight you?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, as though nothing had happened as he stepped foreword and began removing his jacket.
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» Itty Bitty Kitty Committee (The Dark Summoned Pet)
» Just another day (closed)
» Beyond The Light [Closed]
» The Library ( closed)
» Some New Moves (Closed)